The UKHSA has issued advice for concerned parents to explain more about Group A Strep after the common bacteria has been linked to the deaths of several children in recent weeks.
Eight children in the UK have now died since September after developing serious illnesses from the bacteria, which typically cause mild infections that can be cured with antibiotics. Investigations are underway by the UKHSA following reports of an increase in the number of severe diseases in children in recent weeks caused by an invasive form of Group A Strep.
The Government has stressed that there is currently no evidence that a new strain is circulating, but nonetheless have urged parents to be "on the lookout" for symptoms in their children. According to advice issued by the UKHSA, here's what you need to know about the range of infections caused by Strep A, how the bacteria spread, and how they can turn into a life-threatening illness.
